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Despite her pessimistic perspective of humans, Pearl is extremely dedicated to her cause in protecting humanity more or less out of her love, loyalty, and admiration for Rose Quartz. She does, however, find certain aspects of Earth rather amazing. Regardless of her poor understanding of human society, she was able to pay for the Cookie Cats Amethyst, and Garnet stole in "[[Gem Glow]]", drive Greg's van in "[[Ocean Gem]]", and repair it in "[[House Guest]]". She also watches the New Year's Eve fireworks show in "[[Maximum Capacity]]".
 
Despite her pessimistic perspective of humans, Pearl is extremely dedicated to her cause in protecting humanity more or less out of her love, loyalty, and admiration for Rose Quartz. She does, however, find certain aspects of Earth rather amazing. Regardless of her poor understanding of human society, she was able to pay for the Cookie Cats Amethyst, and Garnet stole in "[[Gem Glow]]", drive Greg's van in "[[Ocean Gem]]", and repair it in "[[House Guest]]". She also watches the New Year's Eve fireworks show in "[[Maximum Capacity]]".
   
In "[[Back to the Barn]]", it is revealed that Pearls are not created to fight, but to follow orders. However, Pearl trained to fight with Rose. Peridot also describes her kind, Pearls, as accessories that are meant to be put on display as status symbols and to perform menial tasks, although Pearl's appearance fits this standard.
+
In "[[Back to the Barn]]", it is revealed that pearls are not created to fight, but to follow orders. However, Pearl trained to fight with Rose. Peridot also describes pearls as accessories that are meant to be put on display as status symbols and to perform menial tasks, although Pearl's appearance fits this standard.
   
Aside from her pessimism and perfectionism, Pearl is usually polite and reserved to others; she keeps everything set orderly and tidy. Her obsessive attention to tidiness was explained in "Back to the Barn", when it is revealed that Pearls are made to order servants and were created to "hold stuff" for their masters.
+
Aside from her pessimism and perfectionism, Pearl is usually polite and reserved to others; she keeps everything set orderly and tidy. Her obsessive attention to tidiness was explained in "Back to the Barn", when it is revealed that pearls are made-to-order servants and were created to "hold stuff" for their masters.
   
 
== Appearance ==
 
== Appearance ==
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** Different personality (in the pilot, she enjoyed and readily joined Amethyst in heckling Steven).
 
** Different personality (in the pilot, she enjoyed and readily joined Amethyst in heckling Steven).
 
[[File:NewPearlDoor.png|thumb|200px|Pearl's door.]]
 
[[File:NewPearlDoor.png|thumb|200px|Pearl's door.]]
* In "[[Back to the Barn]]" It was confirmed that there are multiple Pearls on [[Homeworld]]. It was also confirmed that the pearl gemstones on Homeworld were considered inferior and as Peridot put it, "Made-to-order servants."
+
* In "[[Back to the Barn]]" It was confirmed that there are multiple pearls on [[Homeworld]]. It was also confirmed that the pearl gemstones on Homeworld were considered inferior and as Peridot put it, "Made-to-order servants."
   
 
* In "[[Together Breakfast (episode)|Together Breakfast]]", it is revealed that Pearl owns a wide collection of swords.
 
* In "[[Together Breakfast (episode)|Together Breakfast]]", it is revealed that Pearl owns a wide collection of swords.
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** However, in "[[Beach Party]]", "[[Space Race]]" and "[[Back to the Barn]]" she was able to shapeshift her outfit.
 
** However, in "[[Beach Party]]", "[[Space Race]]" and "[[Back to the Barn]]" she was able to shapeshift her outfit.
 
* Pearl's weaponry includes a [[Replicator Wand|replicator wand]], which was destroyed in "[[Onion Trade]]" by [[Garnet]], and currently owns a collection of swords and a battle axe.
 
* Pearl's weaponry includes a [[Replicator Wand|replicator wand]], which was destroyed in "[[Onion Trade]]" by [[Garnet]], and currently owns a collection of swords and a battle axe.
* Pearl's ability to store things in her gemstone may be unique for Pearls since Peridot did say in "Back to the Barn" that Pearls hold "stuff" for their leader assigned to them, more likely for easier accessibility.
+
* Pearl's ability to store things in her gemstone may be unique for pearls since Peridot did say in "Back to the Barn" that pearls hold "stuff" for their leader assigned to them, more likely for easier accessibility.
 
** However, [[Garnet]] was able to summon the [[Pyramid Temple|Pyramid Temple Key]] in "[[Serious Steven]]," which may indicate that, though [[Minor Characters/Gems#Pearls|Pearls]] were made to hold items, all [[Gems]] are capable of doing so.
 
** However, [[Garnet]] was able to summon the [[Pyramid Temple|Pyramid Temple Key]] in "[[Serious Steven]]," which may indicate that, though [[Minor Characters/Gems#Pearls|Pearls]] were made to hold items, all [[Gems]] are capable of doing so.
 
* In "[[Steven and the Stevens (episode)|Steven and the Stevens]]", she is seen playing the violin.
 
* In "[[Steven and the Stevens (episode)|Steven and the Stevens]]", she is seen playing the violin.
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* [[Rebecca Sugar]] has stated Pearl represents the group-dependency stage in the human emotional development spectrum.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2e4gmx/i_am_rebecca_sugar_creator_of_steven_universe_and/cjw29ko</ref>
 
* [[Rebecca Sugar]] has stated Pearl represents the group-dependency stage in the human emotional development spectrum.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2e4gmx/i_am_rebecca_sugar_creator_of_steven_universe_and/cjw29ko</ref>
 
* When asked what songs would be on the Crystal Gems' playlists, Rebecca Sugar listed Sunmi's "24 Hours" and William Bolcom's "Graceful Ghost Rag".<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2e4gmx/i_am_rebecca_sugar_creator_of_steven_universe_and/cjvyjv8</ref>
 
* When asked what songs would be on the Crystal Gems' playlists, Rebecca Sugar listed Sunmi's "24 Hours" and William Bolcom's "Graceful Ghost Rag".<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2e4gmx/i_am_rebecca_sugar_creator_of_steven_universe_and/cjvyjv8</ref>
* In "[[Back to the Barn|Back To The Barn]]", it is stated that Pearls are used as servants on Homeworld who can be "owned".
+
* In "[[Back to the Barn|Back To The Barn]]", it is stated that pearls are used as servants on Homeworld who can be "owned".
 
* In "[[Too Far]]", Peridot has stated that Pearl is prone to spontaneously singing and crying.
 
* In "[[Too Far]]", Peridot has stated that Pearl is prone to spontaneously singing and crying.
 
** This is a tongue in cheek reference to how many characters cry and sing on [[Steven Universe (TV series)|Steven Universe]].
 
** This is a tongue in cheek reference to how many characters cry and sing on [[Steven Universe (TV series)|Steven Universe]].
 
** Aside from Steven, Pearl is the most prone to crying and singing.
 
** Aside from Steven, Pearl is the most prone to crying and singing.
 
* During the early days of the Rebellion, Garnet considered Pearl "terrifying".
 
* During the early days of the Rebellion, Garnet considered Pearl "terrifying".
* In "[[Message Received]]", when Pearl is asked by Steven who [[Minor Gem Characters#Pearls|Yellow Diamond's Pearl]] is, she is offended and states that not all Pearls know each other.
+
* In "[[Message Received]]", when Pearl is asked by Steven who [[Minor Gem Characters#Pearls|Yellow Diamond's Pearl]] is, she is offended and states that not all pearls know each other.
 
* Pearl replaces her usual star symbol with a pink diamond on her space suit, as seen in "[[Space Race]]" and "[[Back to the Barn]]".
 
* Pearl replaces her usual star symbol with a pink diamond on her space suit, as seen in "[[Space Race]]" and "[[Back to the Barn]]".
 
* Unlike other pearls, Pearl's gem is oval, big and on the forehead, while Yellow Diamond's Pearl and Blue Diamond's Pearl gems are smaller, round and on the chest. Jasper also refers to pearl as "lost and defective".
 
* Unlike other pearls, Pearl's gem is oval, big and on the forehead, while Yellow Diamond's Pearl and Blue Diamond's Pearl gems are smaller, round and on the chest. Jasper also refers to pearl as "lost and defective".

Revision as of 03:03, 24 July 2016

This article is about the Crystal Gem. You may be looking for another Pearl.

♫ I will fight in the name of Rose Quartz, and everything that she believed in! ♫

—"We are the Crystal Gems"
Click here to see more of Pearl's quotes.

Pearl is a member of the Crystal Gems. One of Rose Quartz's closest followers and her sole confidant, Pearl is one of the last surviving Gems on Earth who joined the Crystal Gems in their rebellion against the Gem Homeworld. Pearl would afterwards protect the Earth over the next several millennia alongside her friends, while later teaching Rose's son, Steven, the ways of Gems.

Personality

Pearl is like a Samurai. She is, like, incredibly precise.

Rebecca Sugar

Pearl is a perfectionist knowledgeable on a plethora of topics that values organizations. Pearl has a penchant for symmetry (going so far as to impale M.C. Bear Bear to maintain the symmetry of a pile of appliances and school supplies) and a high attention to details.

Despite her perfectionism and occasional bragging, Pearl suffers from low self-esteem. In "Friend Ship", she admits she is very dependent on others to validate her, which loops into a strong inferiority complex. According to Amethyst in "Reformed", she needs everyone's constant approval to feel secure. Without anyone to tell her what to do or to depend on her, Pearl feels lost without meaning or value. Pearl admits she often feels extremely weak and/or useless when compared to others who appear better than her, going so far as to describe herself as ineffective on her own; always in need of a leader she can follow. Her self-deprecating tendencies stem from the Homeworld caste values, where pearls are viewed as property rather than Gems. This has led her to take drastic actions to prove herself — though, thanks to Garnet's encouragement in "Friend Ship", she has started to take initiatives instead of letting other's words define Pearl herself. It appears Pearl has taken this to her heart, as she asserted herself against Peridot when she treated Pearl in a degrading tone. Pearl even went as far as physically punching Peridot to show that she was an individual, not a piece of property.

Pearl is easily flustered and overwhelmed when confronted by the unknown or when her plans fail, which can lead to her judgement being clouded or cause her to act on impulse instead of rational thinking. Her inner turmoil over her love for Rose (and her subsequent absence) has made Pearl lash out at Steven and the Crystal Gems more than once. Her fierce desire to feel "strong" and have more victories as a Crystal Gem even caused her to betray Garnet's trust and basic principles so they could keep forming Sardonyx. When realizing how much she hurt others, Pearl will apologize and try as hard as she can to set things right, working hard to counteract the damage she may have inflicted.

Out of all the Crystal Gems, Pearl is the most poorly adjusted to life on Earth, being unaware of human social conventions and culture, such as jokes, games, arcades, food, and birthday parties. Pearl has expressed a great desire to leave Earth in "Space Race", going so far as to risk her and Steven's lives. Pearl also has a pessimistic view of humanity, as evidenced by her statement in "Keep Beach City Weird," though in Political Power, she seemed to be around at the time when humans lived without light for millennia, and knew that they used to hunt and gather, she was quite surprised that they no longer do that anymore.

Humans just live short, boring, insignificant lives, so they make up stories to feel like they're a part of something bigger. They want to blame all the world's problems on some single enemy they can fight, instead of a complex network of interrelated forces beyond anyone's control.

—"Keep Beach City Weird"

Despite her pessimistic perspective of humans, Pearl is extremely dedicated to her cause in protecting humanity more or less out of her love, loyalty, and admiration for Rose Quartz. She does, however, find certain aspects of Earth rather amazing. Regardless of her poor understanding of human society, she was able to pay for the Cookie Cats Amethyst, and Garnet stole in "Gem Glow", drive Greg's van in "Ocean Gem", and repair it in "House Guest". She also watches the New Year's Eve fireworks show in "Maximum Capacity".

In "Back to the Barn", it is revealed that pearls are not created to fight, but to follow orders. However, Pearl trained to fight with Rose. Peridot also describes pearls as accessories that are meant to be put on display as status symbols and to perform menial tasks, although Pearl's appearance fits this standard.

Aside from her pessimism and perfectionism, Pearl is usually polite and reserved to others; she keeps everything set orderly and tidy. Her obsessive attention to tidiness was explained in "Back to the Barn", when it is revealed that pearls are made-to-order servants and were created to "hold stuff" for their masters.

Appearance

Pearlseye

Pearl's pupils and eyelashes from "Lars and the Cool Kids".

Pearl has a slender, thin build, ivory skin, sky-blue eyes, a pointed nose and thin lips. She is quite tall for a non-fusion Gem; towering over Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Peridot, and Steven alike. She is nearly equal height (with hair) to Garnet's chin. Her hair has a peach-pink color and resembles a pixie-cut in the front, while in the back, her hair leads to a point. Pearl is usually drawn without eyelashes or pupils, although they have been seen in some (or a select few) close-ups. Pearl's gemstone is located on the middle of her forehead and has no facets.

Pre-Regeneration (debut)

Pearl wore a sleeveless, sky blue top that had a translucent chest and transferred into a transparent silk ballet skirt around her waist. Pearl wore short salmon pink-colored leggings, light-green socks, and slip-on ballet flats to match.

Post-Regeneration (current)

As of "Steven the Sword Fighter", Pearl wears an aqua-blue tunic-leotard with a small gold star on the center of her chest and a lighter satin sash ribbon around her upper waist. Her leggings are amber-colored. Pearl wears pink socks with pale blue slip-on ballet flats (as described in the "Guide to the Crystal Gems").

Abilities

I am a Gem of many talents. A dedication to fact is just one of them.

—"Historical Friction"
NewSpear

Pearl's spear

Pearl possesses traits and abilities that are common among all Gems.

Throughout the series, Pearl has been shown to have knowledge in multiple aspects of technology, from fixing Greg's Van, making a semi-functioning spacecraft out of leftover machine parts, creating a functional robot to battle Peridot, to fixing Peridot's Escape Pod and even reverse-engineering it to track Peridot's Warp Pad movements. In "Back to the Barn", it is implied that Pearl's engineering skills are mostly self-taught much to Peridot's astonishment.

While Pearl is lithe and quite graceful, she has surprising resilience to injury. In "Coach Steven", she took a headbutt from Sugilite and could still move, given Steven's encouragement. In "On the Run", she took an explosion from Amethyst's whip directly and recovered almost immediately after being briefly immobilized and scratched.

In "Historical Friction", she mentions that one of her talents is a dedication to fact. She has shown this skill in the past while displaying examples using her holograms. Her immortality and attention to detail have allowed her to recall historical events as they truly happened, such as the beginning of the Crystal Gems' rebellion and the founding of Beach City.

Fusions

Skillset

  • Spear Proficiency: Through her many years of training, Pearl can summon her weapon, a pearlescent spear. Pearl is very skilled in the art of spear-wielding and goes in tandem with her pattern of fighting that involves formal (Ballet) dancing. She moves gracefully and swiftly, attacking with grace and poise. She stays calm and collected during melee battles, duels, and skirmishes. Pearl also has great skill in throwing her spear. This was proven in "Giant Woman", and "Beach Party".
    • Dual Wielding: Pearl is capable of wielding dual spears in battle, implying she is ambidextrous.
      Pearl Spear Blast

      Pearl, firing an energy projectile.

    • Energy Projection: Pearl can fire arrow-like blasts of energy from the tip of her spear. This can be done as rapid-fire, or charged to unleash a more powerful blast. In Attack the Light, this ability is named "Fireball".
Tumblr mwosai3jH31r3mf8lo1 500

Pearl summoning her swords.

  • Swordsmanship: Pearl possesses expert knowledge and skill with a sword. For one on one dueling, Pearl's preferred weapon is a straight-bladed sabre. Pearl's parries are tight and minimalist; her offense is a pattern that is specific to the environment. This pattern consists of lunges, thrusts, and horizontal slashes.
  • Engineering: On multiple occasions, Pearl has demonstrated a high level of skill in mechanical engineering, ranging from reverse-engineering Flask Robonoids to constructing a combat-ready robot on short notice. She also constructed a rocket in an attempt to leave Earth, proving herself able to compete with an "expert" mechanic such as Peridot.
  • Gem-tech Interfacing: While not to the extent of Peridot, she was first shown in "Jail Break" and later shown in "Friend Ship", able to interface and control Gem technology such as the Gem Warship and, to a greater extent, Peridot's escape pod. When she interfaces with Gem-tech, her eyes become overlapped with what looks like programming code.
  • Water-Walking: Pearl can walk on water, an ability she shares with Opal, Lion, and Lapis Lazuli.
  • Photokinesis: Pearl can use her gemstone to light up dark places. She shares this ability with Garnet and Peridot.
  • Levitation: Pearl temporarily levitates to battle Sugilite in "Coach Steven". She shares this ability with the other Crystal Gems including Steven.
  • Item Summon: Pearl can materialize different items out of her gemstone. The three items summoned so far were police tape in "Lars and the Cool Kids", the Mirror in "Mirror Gem" and bandages in "Sworn to the Sword".

Unique Abilities

Cheeseburger Backpack Pearl 01

Pearl using her Holographic Projection to teach Steven about the Lunar Sea Spire.

  • Holographic Projection: Pearl can project holographic images from her gemstone, which she uses mainly as a visual aid when lecturing Steven. While most of the holograms seem to be intangible, some, like Holo-Pearl, can interact with solid matter. Furthermore, the holograms can function without Pearl's presence up to two weeks, implying that her holograms can live independently. In "Chille Tid", it is shown Pearl's dreams are projected as holograms as she sleeps.
Pearl Self-Replication

Pearl Self-Replicating herself while playing Volley-Ball.

  • Self-Duplication: Aside from Holo-Pearls, which is projected through her gemstone, Pearl can also replicate herself several times into hologram-esque clones of herself, as seen in "Beach Party".
Fusion Dance

Pearl's Psammokinesis

  • Psammokinesis: Pearl is shown manipulating a small amount of sand to create figurines in "Giant Woman". It is currently unknown how much sand she can control at one time. This ability has only been shown once so far.
  • Nephelokinesis: In "Sworn to the Sword", Pearl can channel clouds in the direction of her choice, able to gather clouds surrounding the arena around her to create a fine mist, reducing visibility and able to quickly dissipate.

Additional Tools

  • Swords: In "Together Breakfast", Pearl retrieves a sword that she accused Amethyst of stealing, but it was later revealed that it fell down the waterfall that starts in her room.
    • Inside Pearl's room located on the top of the main (middle) waterfall summons a vast collection of swords in her room consisting of cutlasses, Persian Talwars, and sabers.
    • Pearl's preferred sword when teaching sword fighting lessons is a standard Adult Training Saber, as seen with Connie and Steven.
  • Battleaxe (mentioned only): In "Onion Trade", Pearl demands Amethyst to reveal the location of her battleaxe.
  • Replicator Wand (formerly): In the same episode, Pearl had a wand that would make identical copies of any physical object. However, Garnet destroyed it because she did not want to destroy individually/poof the thousands of Dave G.U.Y.S. that Onion made.

Episode appearances

Relationships

Rose's Scabbard 192

Steven comforting Pearl

Steven Universe

All that matters is that Steven is happy.

—"Gem Glow"

Pearl acts as a kind but overprotective mother towards Steven. She loves teaching Steven about Gem history and culture, as well as teaching him other things such as the art of sword-fighting.

As opposed to Garnet's more pragmatic and Amethyst's more fun-loving personalities, Pearl acts as a mentor. She always tries to speak gently to him and is usually the first to show concern when taking him on a dangerous mission. However, in "Space Race", she allows her own interest in returning to space to cloud her better judgement despite trying to attain her original goal of showing Steven the cosmos.

Pearl also tends to patronize Steven and frequently underestimates his abilities, expressing maternal feelings towards him and treating him like a fragile child rather than a fellow Crystal Gem, although over time she does respect the fact he is growing up. She is surprised to find that Steven is able to summon his shield in "Gem Glow", return to normal after transforming his fingers into cats in "Cat Fingers", think of strategies to escape the obstacles that they encounter in "Cheeseburger Backpack", as well as the Pyramid Temple in "Serious Steven". Pearl occasionally ignores Steven, such as when he brings up the idea of everyone eating breakfast together in "Together Breakfast". She also does not feel that Steven is prepared to learn about the dark side of Gem history, when she tells Amethyst that Steven "isn't ready" to learn about the harsher reputation of Gems in "On the Run". In "Sworn to the Sword", it is shown Pearl's maternal feelings towards Steven stems from her love and admiration for Rose Quartz, and she views Steven as a crucial asset to the Crystal Gems.

Despite recent events and her guilt, she is shown to support Steven and his endeavors in "Historical Friction". She compliments him on his wisdom when he says the flaws and working through them are important to anyone. She helps rewrite the play to be more accurate and is the only Gem to watch it, being ecstatic to see Steven onstage.

Garnet

File:Cry For Help Garnet Throws Pearl in the Air.png

Garnet and Pearl fusing.

Like the other Gems, Pearl respects and follows Garnet's orders without question. She does, however, believe that the Gems are a team and so may not exactly see Garnet as the leader, most likely because she will always see Rose Quartz as leader despite her absence. When situations are requiring executive decisions, however, Pearl usually defers to Garnet. In "Secret Team", it is clear that she shares an unprecedented fear towards her, along with Amethyst, to such an extent that both she and Amethyst willingly set aside their differences to keep the popped Gem-bubble a secret instead of facing the consequences. She has known about her true identity as a fusion for several thousand years. In "Cry for Help", it is apparent that Pearl looks up to Garnet as she was excited to fuse into Sardonyx to destroy the Communication Hub that Peridot rebuilt. Pearl enjoyed fusing with Garnet so much that she rebuilt the Communication Hub twice so she and Garnet could just fuse into Sardonyx resulting in Garnet's anger and temporary estrangement for the deception. In "Friend Ship", Pearl repaired her relationship with Garnet, making peace with her insecurities in the process. She is shown to idolize Garnet, or rather Ruby and Sapphire's relationship, as in that same episode she claims that they are the perfect relationship, and she wanted to fuse so badly because she craved being a part of a stable relationship.

Ruby and Sapphire

Pearl has not been shown interacting with either Ruby or Sapphire individually. However, during "Keystone Motel", Ruby is greatly angered by Pearl's trickery regarding the Communication Hub, whereas Sapphire is more willing to forgive. This conflict led to Garnet temporarily defusing.

In the episode "The Answer", Pearl and Ruby/Sapphire were on opposing sides (in fact, Pearl was about to "poof" Sapphire before Ruby's intervention). Ironically, Pearl's actions resulted in Garnet's creation and her (and by extension Ruby and Sapphire) joining the Crystal Gems.

Amethyst

Amythest Pearl hug

Amethyst hugging Pearl.

I hope you can forgive me...You're the one good thing that came out of this mess, I always thought you were proud of that.

—Pearl in "On the Run"

The two have a strained relationship which is likely due to their contrasting personalities. Pearl is often seen scolding Amethyst, who often teases Pearl in return. Regardless of their differences, Pearl and Amethyst have been shown to be able to put their differences aside on multiple occasions to work together. For example, in "Secret Team", Pearl and Amethyst are forced to fight together, and complement each other's skills, even sharing appreciative smiles; in "Warp Tour", they praise and admire each other's fighting techniques; in "On the Run", the two reveal that they really do deeply care about each other, despite their differences and frequent fights. In "Story for Steven" they are shown having a much closer relationship before the events of the series, close enough to be perfectly content hugging and resting in each other's arms. It can be assumed that Rose's departure and Steven's birth somehow lead to their relationship deteriorating with time, as Amethyst implies that they used to fuse more often in "Giant Woman". Their relationship seems to have been slowly improving over the course of the series. In "Log Date 7 15 2" it is shown that their relationship has improved enough that they can form Opal with little effort.

Greg Universe

We need to talk Pearl talking into Mic

Young Pearl being condescending towards young Greg.

Greg is... nice, Steven, but I doubt Rose would've entrusted someone like him with such a powerful weapon.

—Pearl in "Laser Light Cannon"

She is on speaking terms with Greg and has shown to at least try to be civil towards him, even fixing his van after it was wrecked in "Ocean Gem". In "House Guest" she was anxious about him living with the Crystal Gems, and she is usually the first (and often the only one) of the Crystal Gems to get irritated or even mad at him as shown in "The Message". Because of Pearl's close relationship with Rose Quartz, it is possible that her negative view of Greg stems from her blaming him for his part in Rose's "death" in giving birth to Steven, much like she harbors a similar resentment towards Steven as revealed in "Rose's Scabbard".

In "Reformed", however, the two are seen casually tinkering with his van together and seemingly getting along very well, showing an improvement of their relationship.

The episode "We Need to Talk" further explores their relationship in the past when Rose was still alive. Pearl is shown to be very jealous of Rose's new-found affection for him and goes to great lengths of trying to challenge him and dissuade him from pursuing a relationship with Rose. This, combined with the fact that she sees Greg partially responsible for Rose's demise, explains why she seems to be uncomfortable, condescending and resentful towards him in episodes set in the current time.

In "Chille Tid", Pearl has a dream in which she suggests to Rose that they forget about Greg and explore the galaxy together. Much to her horror, Rose's face turns into Greg's.

"Mr. Greg" goes in depth on their relationship. Pearl expresses her feelings about Greg and Rose's relationship through song while she thinks Greg and Steven are asleep. In this song, Pearl says she feels lost without Rose, and that at first she was able to stand Greg, before Rose fell in love with him. She holds a grudge against him but seems to have given up at a certain point, accepting the fact that Rose had chosen Greg over her. Greg was awake the whole time and, after the song was over, says that he doesn't think things can ever be normal between them. Steven reveals he brought Pearl with them for the purpose of trying to repair their relationship and sings "Both of You" to show how much they have in common. They show great improvement throughout the rest of the episode, and at the end, Steven quotes Pearl's song, singing the line "It's over, isn't it?" while watching them laugh with each other, implying Pearl no longer holds Rose's love for Greg against him and the two can finally work towards a good friendship.

Sugilite

You're just too much!

Coach Steven
S - 18

Pearl fighting Sugilite.

Pearl dislikes Sugilite due to her reckless and violent nature. Pearl almost grudgingly admits that she's jealous of Sugilite's strength (in a song), but she cuts herself off before finishing the line. Her dislike for Sugilite also stems from concern over Garnet and Amethyst as she believes it is dangerous for them to stay fused for longer periods of time; they might start losing their own individuality. Also, Pearl's own competing desire to feel "stronger" (when fused as Sardonyx) also may play a role in her feelings to Sugilite.

Rose Quartz

Everything I ever did, I did for her. Now she's gone... but I'm still here.

—Pearl in "Rose's Scabbard"
We Need To Talk Rose and Pearl Fuse

Pearl and Rose fusing.

Pearl's closest relationship before the series started was with Rose Quartz. Pearl fought with Rose her against her own Homeworld. She (falsely) believed herself to be Rose's "sole confidant" and therefore the only living being privy to all Rose's secrets, a position she took great pride in. Pearl looked up to Rose for guidance and support, and she developed romantic feelings for Rose over time.

In "Story for Steven", when Rose bragged about Greg's singing, Pearl is quick to note as soon as he is out of earshot that she can also sing, much to the amusement of the other Crystal Gems. "Sworn to the Sword" reveals that she was so devoted to protecting Rose that she sacrificed herself constantly for her, having adopted the human title of a "knight" to heart to the point of obsessive recklessness.

Sworn to the Sword 104

Pearl risking her life to protect Rose from a Gem Warrior on the Battlefield during the Rebellion

"We Need to Talk" further explores the relationship between the two. Set in the 80's like the previous episode "Story for Steven" it reveals that Pearl was very jealous of Greg, constantly trying to persuade him that Rose's affections for him were just a "phase" because as a human he was eventually going to pass away while Rose, being a Gem, would live on. She also challenges him by convincing Rose to fuse with her in front of Greg, and later gloating that as a human he would never know such intimacy with Rose. Pearl's jealousy of Greg implied that her feelings for Rose were romantic. This was later confirmed by show writer Matt Burnett via a tweet[1] after the episode aired.

We Need To Talk Pearl and Rose Together

It is not currently known whether Rose Quartz reciprocated Pearl's romantic feelings, however, when asked if Pearl's feelings for Rose were supposed to be a one-sided crush, Matt Burnett described the situation as "much more complicated"[2]. In any case, their relationship was a very close one, as they easily and casually fused into Rainbow Quartz.

In "Chille Tid" Pearl has a dream in which she suggests to Rose that they forget about Greg and explore the galaxy together. In "The Answer", is confirmed that Pearl and Rose have been together since, at least, the year 3734 BCE.

Lion

Rose's Scabbard 023

Pearl shooing Lion.

Originally, Pearl saw Lion as just an average wild animal, being a little uneasy about Steven keeping him because of his probably dangerous nature. However, in "Rose's Scabbard", she gains a different kind of unease due to him containing Rose's Sword and thus having some connection to Rose. This knowledge distressed her greatly as Rose supposedly told her everything, causing her to resent Lion a bit to the point where she ran away with Rose's Scabbard to the Gem Battlefield. After gaining encouragement from Steven, she seems to respect Lion a bit more while still feeling tenuous about him in general.

Connie

Sworn to the Sword 139

Pearl teaching Connie to sword fight.

Remember, Connie. In the heat of battle, Steven is what matters. You don't matter.

—"Sworn to the Sword"

Pearl originally saw Connie as just Steven's friend, but in "Sworn to the Sword", Pearl was touched by Connie's willingness to defend Steven, thus mentors her in the art of sword fighting, and related Connie to herself and Steven to Rose during the training. She had begun to teach her the way that she had taught herself; to risk her life to protect Steven. However, Pearl soon learned from her mistake. Now, Pearl thinks that Connie is an expert on sword fighting and that she and Steven can be great knights together.

Peridot

HA! A Peridot with a Pearl... What would they say back home?!

—"Back to the Barn"
Back to the Barn Number (232)

Pearl and Peridot reach an understanding.

Before the events of "When It Rains" Peridot was perceived as an enemy of Pearl and the Crystal Gems.

Pearl showed great disdain and anger towards Peridot until she came on even terms during the episode "When It Rains" and formed somewhat of an alliance with Peridot. During the events of "Back to the Barn" Pearl was treated as an inferior being to Peridot, as the gemstone pearl was revealed to be a servant class on Homeworld. This caused Pearl to become rather angry at Peridot during the episode, to the point of punching her in the face after Peridot's continuous jabs and belittling. Eventually, the two are on even terms after the events of the "Robolympics". In Message Received, Pearl officially accepted Peridot as a Crystal Gem. Pearl and Peridot currently seem to be on good terms.

Bismuth

Oh, come on Pearl. You know I can't take it when you cry like that!

—"Bismuth"
File:BismuthAndPearlCry.png

Bismuth and Pearl, comforting each other.

Bismuth learns about the aftermath of the war from Pearl. When Pearl starts to cry, Bismuth tells Pearl that she starts to cry whenever Pearl does, implying they had a close relationship previously. Pearl apologizes, but Bismuth says that it's okay, and they comfort each other.

Trivia

Pearlpic

Pearl's evolution.

  • In the transition from the pilot to the series, Pearl underwent the most drastic change of the three Gems, to the point she is almost unrecognizable to seasoned viewers seeing the pilot for the first time. Among these changes are:
    • Removal of gold ring around her gemstone.
    • Removal of earrings (and visible ears altogether).
    • Skin color changed (from blue to white).
    • Pointier nose.
    • Rounder face.
    • Slimmer, more cartoonish build.
    • Drastically different outfit.
    • Different hairstyle, covering ears and pointing backwards instead of forwards.
    • Rose-pink hair color to light peach.
    • Eye color changed (black to a light blue).
    • Removal of hearts on slippers and slipper color changed (dark blue to light blue).
    • Higher-pitched voice.
    • Different personality (in the pilot, she enjoyed and readily joined Amethyst in heckling Steven).
NewPearlDoor

Pearl's door.

  • In "Back to the Barn" It was confirmed that there are multiple pearls on Homeworld. It was also confirmed that the pearl gemstones on Homeworld were considered inferior and as Peridot put it, "Made-to-order servants."
  • In "Together Breakfast", it is revealed that Pearl owns a wide collection of swords.
  • The Gems' fighting styles are based on dancing styles. Pearl's fighting/dancing style is ballet.[3]
  • In "Fusion Cuisine", Pearl states that she hates eating. She has stated that the digestive process is what disgusts her the most.
    • Pearl agrees to consume human food, expresses interest in eating, or admits to a preference for certain foods in "Together Breakfast", "Bubble Buddies", "Serious Steven", and "So Many Birthdays". These episodes all take place before "Steven the Sword Fighter". This could mean that Pearl used to like human food.
    • In a Twitter response to a fan, Matt Burnett explained that Pearl likes the process of pie, aka baking, rather than the consumption of it.[4]
    • However, she is shown to enjoy tea, as shown when she brings a teapot to Funland in "Serious Steven", and when she talks about finding out Connie's favorite tea in "Bubble Buddies".
Pearl (Distance Model)

Pearl's far-distance render.

  • Rebecca Sugar confirmed Pearl is a lot like herself.[citation needed]
  • In "Keep Beach City Weird", Pearl has shown a reluctance to shapeshift and is the only Crystal Gem who has not shown an ability to shapeshift outside regeneration.
  • Pearl's weaponry includes a replicator wand, which was destroyed in "Onion Trade" by Garnet, and currently owns a collection of swords and a battle axe.
  • Pearl's ability to store things in her gemstone may be unique for pearls since Peridot did say in "Back to the Barn" that pearls hold "stuff" for their leader assigned to them, more likely for easier accessibility.
  • In "Steven and the Stevens", she is seen playing the violin.
  • It was shown in "Monster Buddies" that Steven keeps a framed picture of Pearl on the side of their fridge. It was later destroyed by the Centipeetle Mother. In "When It Rains", it was revealed that it replaced by a new picture of her in her post-regeneration outfit.
  • Pearl appears to have her face on several coin-types.[5]
  • Pearl is the first Gem shown to be able to harness energy within their weapon for an attack in "Watermelon Steven".
WaterPearl

Pearl water-clone.

  • In "Lion 3: Straight to Video", Pearl admits that she often watches Steven sleep.
    • Though stating during the same episode that Steven no longer wishes her to watch him sleep, she is observed intently watching him sleep when he wakes up from his first dream during "Chille Tid".
  • It is confirmed by Steven in "Steven the Sword Fighter" that organizing messes are one of Pearl's favorite hobbies.
  • It is revealed in "Reformed" that Pearl was always irked by Amethyst's crooked shoulder strap.
  • Pearl is ambidextrous, which is shown in "Ocean Gem", where Pearl is shown to be able to wield two spears at a time.
  • Rebecca Sugar stated in an interview that the Crystal Gem Steven knows the least about at this point is Pearl.[6]
  • In "Sworn to the Sword", Pearl says she was only a few thousand years old when she began fighting alongside Rose Quartz.
    • It was on Earth that Pearl learned of sword fighting.
    • In a flashback, it appears that Pearl engaged a gem (similar to Jasper) multiple times for Rose Quartz.
  • Pearl's gem represents a cabochon, a gem that has not been faceted but has been polished.
  • All of Pearl's fusions have been dubbed Giant Woman or something similar by Steven with the exception of Rainbow Quartz.
    • However, this may be due to Steven not being present at the time.
Pearl GTTCG Page

Pearl's entry in Guide to the Crystal Gems.

Pearl111

Pearl's handwriting as seen in the first Steven Universe Comic and in "Keeping it Together."

  • In most if not all of her fusions, Pearl seems to be dominant with more features being attributed to her than her fusing partner.
  • Pearl's reason for protecting Earth is to carry on Rose's fight.
    • Her lines from the extended opening are "I will fight in the name of Rose Quartz! And everything that she believed in!"
  • Pearl finds life jackets very lame, puny, and unnecessary, as shown in "Chille Tid" as they are used to prevent drowning which opposes to pearls being formed underwater.
  • Her dancing is similar to how Princess Tutu dances from Princess Tutu.
  • Rebecca Sugar has stated Pearl represents the group-dependency stage in the human emotional development spectrum.[7]
  • When asked what songs would be on the Crystal Gems' playlists, Rebecca Sugar listed Sunmi's "24 Hours" and William Bolcom's "Graceful Ghost Rag".[8]
  • In "Back To The Barn", it is stated that pearls are used as servants on Homeworld who can be "owned".
  • In "Too Far", Peridot has stated that Pearl is prone to spontaneously singing and crying.
    • This is a tongue in cheek reference to how many characters cry and sing on Steven Universe.
    • Aside from Steven, Pearl is the most prone to crying and singing.
  • During the early days of the Rebellion, Garnet considered Pearl "terrifying".
  • In "Message Received", when Pearl is asked by Steven who Yellow Diamond's Pearl is, she is offended and states that not all pearls know each other.
  • Pearl replaces her usual star symbol with a pink diamond on her space suit, as seen in "Space Race" and "Back to the Barn".
  • Unlike other pearls, Pearl's gem is oval, big and on the forehead, while Yellow Diamond's Pearl and Blue Diamond's Pearl gems are smaller, round and on the chest. Jasper also refers to pearl as "lost and defective".
  • According to Aivee Tran and Surasshu, "Pearl’s piano is often written in minor, with blocked chords and gentle jazz influences", as well as an expanded palette of "harp and some pads." [9]
  • It should be noted that, to date, all fusions involving Pearl are in some way multi-colored, thus named after multi-colored gemstones.
    • Opal - Color play via diffraction.
    • Rainbow Quartz - Metal coating.
    • Sardonyx - Multi-colored bands of various colors.
    • Alexandrite - Color change due to exposure to different forms of light.

Gemology

Gemstone Information
Freshwater-pearls-selection-of-shapes-2

Various pearls.

  • A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of a clam, a pearl is composed of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers.
    • Pearls being considered lesser gems could be based off the fact that pearls are not "real" gemstones, but are instead organic, being formed by mollusks.
    • As organic gemstones, pearls belong to the same group as ammolite, coral, ivory, jet and amber. These are all formed as a result of biological processes.
  • Pearl is one of three birthstones for the month of June as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also the birthstone for the Sun Signs of Gemini and Cancer. Pearls are also given on the third and thirteenth anniversaries.
  • The name "pearl" is said to have originated from the Middle English word "perle", which in turn came from the Latin word "perna", meaning "leg", thought to be due to the ham-leg shape of the bivalve mollusc.
  • Pearls vary in color from white to those with a hint of color, often pink, to brown or black. Each coloration will depend on the type of mollusk and the water where the mollusk lived.
    • Pearls come in white, off-white, cream, golden, peach, pink, black, silver, lavender, and blue.
    • Some pearls exhibit iridescence, which is known as orient. Orient can be predominantly one color such as green or pink, or consist of a rainbow of colors in weak, moderate, or strong appearances.
    • The colors of pearls also have sometimes been associated with certain qualities: black or gold with wealth, blue with love, pink with success.
  • Pearls have been harvested and cultivated primarily for use in jewelry, but in the past were also used to adorn clothing. They have also been crushed and used in cosmetics, medicines and paint formulations.
  • Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experience, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. They are thought to keep children safe.
  • Pearls are quite "soft" and range between 2.5 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Because the nacre is organic, pearls are very sensitive to extreme heat, acids, dryness, and humidity.
    • Although pearls are relatively soft, they are extremely compact, which makes them durable and resistant to being crushed.

Gemstone

Image Description
PearlGemClear
Pearl's gemstone is located in the center of her forehead. As seen in "Steven the Sword Fighter", the front and back are symmetrical, and it has a light blue ring around it, which is usually hidden inside her body unless she's regenerating. It is a smooth ellipsoid with no facets. It's in the shape of a oval.

Galleries

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Click to view the gallery for
Pearl.

Design Gallery

Click to view the designs for
Pearl.


References

ve Crystal Gems

StevenNavbox16
Redo PearlNav Redo SapphireNavv2 FusionTemplateGarnet3 RubyNavv3 AmethystNavNew
Peridorito Infobox Stereo Lapis Infobox Stereo Bismuth - Navi
Biggs Jasper Nav icon SnowflakeObsidianNavbox NavboxCrazyLaceFixed LarimarNAV
ConnieNavbox Lion head

Inactive

Redo RoseNav

ve Characters in Steven Universe
Crystal Gems Human-Gem Hybrids: Steven Universe

Unfused Gems: AmethystBiggs JasperBismuthLapis LazuliLarimarPearlPeridotRubySapphireSnowflake Obsidian
Fusion Gems: AlexandriteCrazy Lace AgateGarnetMega PearlObsidian (Rose Quartz Fusion)OpalRainbow QuartzSardonyxSugilite
Hybrid Fusions: Obsidian (Steven fusion)Rainbow Quartz 2.0Smoky QuartzStegStevonnieSunstone
Inactive Gems: Rose Quartz
Humans: Connie Maheswaran
Pets: LionPumpkinCat Steven

Homeworld Gems Unfused Gems: CombyEmeraldPebblesPeridotsSapphiresSpinel

Fusion Gems: MalachiteTopazZebra Jasper (fusion)Giant RubyRuby (triple fusion)Lemon JadeBluebird Azurite
Inactive Gems: Pink Diamond

Off Colors Unfused Gems: PadparadschaRutile Twins

Fusion Gems: FluoriteRhodonite
Humans: Lars Barriga

Other Gems (Formerly) Corrupted Gems: AlbiteAngel Aura QuartzBig Bird • Biggs Jasper • BixbiteBlue ChalcedonyBlue Lace Agate • Cherry Quartz • ChrysocollaDesert GlassEarth BeetleGrossular DiopsideHeaven Beetle • Jasper • Lace Amethyst • Larimar • Moonstone • Nephrite • Ocean JasperOrange Spodumene • Snowflake Obsidian • Tongue MonsterUnknown Giant Gem MonsterWater BearWatermelon TourmalineWhite TopazZebra Jasper (singular)Minor Corrupted Gems

Other Gems: Minor GemsUnknown Gems (Morganite • Nephrite-XJ Cut-763 • Unknown Quartz Warrior • Blue Diamond's Court • Pink Diamond's EntourageUnknown Crystal Gems67 Elite CitrinesPyritesHessonites, Demantoids, and PyropesKyanites)

Forced Fusions: Cluster Gems (The Cluster)

Comic Gems: Ant Gem MonsterClock Tower GemFrozen FragmentGlass GhostInvisible Manta RayMole Gem MonsterMolluskMonster Lizard GemObeliskOld Book GemPlant MonsterPerils of PweepweeRainbow Cloud MonsterRed Bird Gem MonsterRed Eel MonsterScorching ShardSlime Gem MonsterSlug MonsterSnowbeastTentacle MonsterUnknown Giant BirdVine Monsters

Other Major Characters Humans: Greg UniverseSadie Miller
Recurring Characters Humans: Andy DeMayoBarbara MillerBill DeweyBuck DeweyBuddy BuddwickDante and Martha BarrigaDoug MaheswaranPriyanka MaheswaranHarold SmileyJamieJaneJenny PizzaKevinKiki PizzaKofi PizzaMartyMr. FrymanMystery GirlNanefua PizzaOnionPeedee FrymanQuentin FrowneyRonaldo FrymanShepSour CreamSuitcase SamVidaliaYellowtailZoomans (F-3Jay-TenU-12Wy-Six)

Others: Baby MelonBlue CrabsCactus StevenHolo-PearlMagic MossSteven Jr.Watermelon Stevens

Minor Characters Humans: The Best Diner in the World's WaitressEmpire City Wildlife Rehabilitation Center EmployeeGaryGreg's family (Aunt and Uncle • Aunt DebGrandfatherParentsGreat-aunt Gregargia) • Hospital Employees (Dr. GeroDr. StrombergDr. West) JeffKhajima, Jaime, and BrandishMarty's RoadiesMayoral BodyguardsMike KrolOnion's Friends (Garbanzo • Pinto • Soup • Squash) • Patricia and DanielRickySabinaSteven's BabysitterSunshine JusticeWilliam Buford BuchananWilliam DeweyMinor Human Characters

Animals: Butt LobsterCrystal BasiliskDogGiant BirdMask Island BirdsMask Island FishMask Island WormOnion's MouseOnion's SnakeParty GuyRaccoonSeagullsSnakeSteven The ThirdSusanMinor Animal Characters
Aliens: Beetle AliensBird Blob AliensUngulate AliensWorm AliensFlower-Like AliensMinor Alien Characters

Fictional Characters Cookie CatDogcopterMearlPizza JennyMinor Fictional Characters

Camp Pining Hearts: PaulettePercyPierre
"Garnet's Universe": FoxmanHopperHoppyRingo
Golf Quest Mini: AceAce's Father
Li'l Butler: Li'l ButlerMr. MoneyMrs. MoneyDaughter Money • Dirtbike Money
Lonely Blade: Evil JanitorLonely BladeLonely Blade's Brother
Rose's Room: Cloud ConnieTiny Floating Whale
The Spirit Morph Saga: ArchimicarusLisaPlinkmanWind Lizard

Antagonists Blood PolypCentipeetlesCrab MonstersCrystal ShrimpDrill ParasitesElectric SkullsFryboHolo-ConnieShadow ConnieSmoke MonsterWater Clones
Alter Egos Billy Bank AssetsChunk TruckConcrete HeatDashing Danny DooberHandsome Hank HackleschmidtHowl JonesLoch Ness BloggsterPurple PumaSea WaspShark-O-ManiaTiger Millionaire
Attack the Light Blue LightGreen LightIndigo LightOrange LightRed LightViolet LightWhite LightYellow Light

Groups: Light ArmyBlue Monsters • Green Monsters • Indigo MonstersOrange MonstersRed Monsters

Save the Light Hessonite • SquaridotHessonite's Citrines
Unleash the Light DemantoidPyrope
The Phantom Fable Fable • Lonely PearlJasper (Eyeball)
Groups The Cool Kids • Crystal Gems • Crystal Temps • The "Famethyst" • The Great Diamond Authority • Homeworld Gems • Off ColorsSadie Killer and the SuspectsSecret Team • Steven and the Stevens • Zoomans • Species
Gem Types Aquamarines • Bismuths • Diamonds • GarnetsJades • Lapis Lazulis • Nephrites • Pearls • Pebbles • Peridots • Quartzes • Rubies • Sapphires • Topazes • Zircons